"They need to make sure they have enough market share for not just tomorrow but 2040 and 2060 and beyond to ensure longevity," Ms. Emerson said. The Saudis embarked on this new strategy in reaction to the U.S. oil boom, and it is a new status quo that won't change under a new king, she said...

Some investors don't think the new Saudi king will affect the policy of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries. "I don't think it should have an impact on the oil price," said Pierre Andurand, chief investment officer of $450 million London hedge fund Andurand Capital Management LLP, whose fund posted large gains in 2014 betting on lower oil prices.